Control mechanism for bowling pin spotting machines



R. E. DUMAS Dec. 11, 1962 CONTROL MECHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed May l5, 1951 ATTORNEY CONTROL MECHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES Original Filed May 15, 1951 R. E. DUMAS Dec. 11, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 h NN INVENTOR ROGER E. DUMAS BY mfg-onu R. E. DUMAS Dec. 11, 1962 CONTROL MECHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed May l5, 1951 INVENToR ROGER E. DUMAS ATTO NEY R. E. DUMAS Dec. 11, 1962 CONTROL MECHANISM FOR BOWLING PIN SPOTTING MACHINES 6 SheetsSheet 4 original Filed May 15, 195i INVENTOR ROGER E. DUMAS BY m @5m/w ATTO NEY QV l bei

R. E. DUMAS 3,068,005

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Ser. No. 13,008

5 (lairns. (Cl. 273-43) This invention relates to bowling pin spotting machines, and more particularly to bowling pin spotting machines for automatically spotting and respotting bowling pins upon the playing bed of a bowling lalley, and to an improved control system for controlling the autom-atie and sequential operation of the coacting mechanisms of an automatic bowling pin spotting machine under all conditions of play.

This application is a continuation of my applica-tion Serial Number 610,161, tiled September 17, 1956, now abandoned, -as a d-ivision of my application Serial Number 226,359 for Control Mechansim for Bowling Pin Spotting Machine, now Patent No. 2,821,395.

In accordance with the invention, my improved apparatus consists in a bowling pin spotting machine having appara-tus for removing pins from lthe pit of a bowling alley and delivering them to a distributor which in turn conveys .them in succession to a pin spotting device wherein pins are held in substantially triangular arrangement for placement on the playing bed of an alley. The machine also includes a sweep device having its operation controlled in such manner that it is actuated at proper times during the play yof the game -to sweep deadwood and unwanted pins from the alley into the pit for delivery to the apparatus mentioned above. The machine also includes devices for lifting and respotting pins standing upon an alley in the position e-ach occupied before being lifted after the rolling of the iirst ball of a frame, in order that the sweep device may remove dead- Wood or fallen pins, after which the lifted pins are respotted in the position each occupied prior to being lifted above the alley pending further play.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided an automatic control apparatus for operating the bowling pin spotting machine of which it form-s a part under all conditions of play such that pins |are spotted and respotted for frame to frame play `asl `the game proceeds. The invention includes an electrical control apparatus having mechanisms associated therewith which selec-tively operate the several interconnected units of the machine in order to feed pins from the elevating mechanism to the distributor and the pin spotting units. The invention also includes selectively `actuated control mechanism for effecting the proper spotting and respotting of pins in a normal two b-all frame, or after a spare is made, and after a strike is made, thereby causing the pin setting device to place a new set of pins on the alley bed pending the throwing of the first ball of the next fname, and also to cause the spotting mechanism to place a new set of pins on the alley if a foul is made on the first ball.

It is an object `of the invention lto provide an improved electrical control mechanism for controlling the operations of an automatic bowling pin spotting machine such that the associated parts of the machine are automatically active or inactive in proper sequential order in carrying out their respective functions.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an electrically operated control mech-anism for a bowling pin spotting machine having means for selectively actuating and timing the sequential operations of the several interconnected and cooperating units of a bowling pin spotting machine.

It is a further object to provide an improved control mechanism for a bowling pin spotting machine in which the operations of a bowling pin spotting machine are automatically controlled and modified when a player makes a strike, or fouls.

It is a further object to provide a novel. control mechanism for an automa-tic bowling pinspotting machine having devices continuously maintaining intelligence of the condition of all controlled coacting units of the machine depending upon the particular cycle of the machine operations from ball to ball and frame to frame as the game proceeds, such that interrup-tion of the electric power supply merely stops the motions of the machine and upon resumption of the electric power the controlled units will automatically resume their normal sequential operations, an-d complete the cycle in which the machine was operating prior to power interruption.

With these and other objects of the invention not specifically mentioned in view, the invention consists in certain combinations and constructions which will be described fully hereinafter, and then `set forth in the claims hereunto appended.

In lthe accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, and in which like characters of reference indicate the same or like parts:

FIG. l is a side elevation of a bowling pin spotting machine provided with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating the spotting and respotting mechanisms of the machine;

FIG. 3 is a wiring diagram illustrating the preferred form of the electrical control system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3A is a view showing a detail of the control mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the sweep mechanism of the machine taken on line 4--4 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the mechanism shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. y6 is yan end elevation of one side of the sweep mechanism in operative position relative to a bowling alley;

FIG. 7 is a :side elevation of `an improved form of a respotting unit used in the machine, showing an electrical control element associated therewith; and

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary rear View of the pin elevating mechanism control.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated herein, the control mechanism is lassociated with and forms an operative part of a bowling pin spotting machine provided with mechanisms for removing or elevating pins from the pit of a bowling alley, and delivering them in succession to a distributor associated therewith from which pins are delivered in succession and conveyed one by one to a pin -spotting device having means for supporting and spotting pins and also for respotting pins during the course of play, when such is desired.

The mechansim illustrated for removing pins from the pit of a bowling alley is similar in construction and operation to that disclosed in copending application, Serial Number 150,232, filed March 17, 1950, by Robert L. Holloway and John Zuercher for Bowling Pin Elevating Mechanism, now Patent 2,767,983, granted October 23, 1956. Pins delivered by the device which removes or elevates them from the pit of the alley are discharged therefrom into a distributing device operatively associated therewith, and which may be sim-ilar in construction and operation to that disclosed and described in copending 3 application, Serial Number 178,777, tiled August 11, 1950, by John Zuercher for Pin Handling Mechanism for Bowling Pin Spotting Machines, now Patent 2,767,984, granted October 23, 1956.

Operatively associated with the distributing mechanism is a bowling pin spotting and respotting device, which may be similar in construction and operation to that illustrated and described in copending application, Serial Number 180,174, tiled August 18, 195i), by Robert L. Holloway et al. for Bowling Pin Spotting and Respotting Mechanism, now Patent 2,781,195, granted February l2, 1957. These mechanisms which form coacting and selectively actuated parts of the bowling pin spotting machine with which the control mechanism of the invention is operatively connected, are controlled thereby in such manner that all sequential and cyclical operations of the machine take place in proper timed order in spotting and respotting pins upon the playing bed of alley A during the entire course of play of a game after each normal two ball frame, or after a strike, or when a foul is rolled. While reference is made to the above referred to copending applications, the present invention may be used with other types of bowling pin spotting machines with which it is adaptable, and therefore it is not to be considered as limited in use with the structures shown in the above referred to applications.

As shown in FIGURE 1, bowling pins 311 struck by a ball, fall from or are removed from alley A and gutters R by means of a sweep and guard designated generally 199. The mechanism for actuating sweep and guard 199 is operated after each ball is rolled by a bowler. After the last ball of a frame is rolled, all pins either standing or fallen, are swept into pit P.

In the illustrated embodiment, pins falling from alley A or delivered into pit P, drop onto a conveyor or travelling apron, designated generally 320, similar in construction and operation to that disclosed in Holloway et al., Patent 2,767,983. This conveyor is pit wide, and is continually in motion, whereby pins are moved out of pit P beneath cushion 88 and delivered to pin elevating mechanism 370 described more in detail hereinafter.

Conveyor 320 runs upon driving and driven pulleys 322 and 324 respectively, mounted at the front aud rear of pit P, as shown in FIG. 1. Pulley 322 is mounted on shaft 328 provided at one end with a sprocket (not shown), tracked by a sprocket chain (not shown), which runs on a sprocket (not shown) secured to a continuously driven drive shaft (not shown) operated by motor 84.

As indicated in FIG. i, sha-ft 334 which supports pulley 324, preferably is mounted at a higher level than shaft 328 so that the upper lap 326 of conveyor 320 is inclined downwardly and rearwardly and preferably towards one side of pit P. Bowling balls dropping downwardly because of this arrangement, both roll and are carried downwardly by conveyor 320 to one corner of pit P for delivery therefrom by suitable ball lifting mechanism (not shown) onto a return runway of conventional design (not shown) for return to a bowler. Since the ball return mechanism forms no part of this invention, further description and showing thereof are omitted in the interest of brevity.

Pins 311 are delivered from conveyor 320 by guide chute 368 and side guides (not shown) into pockets 331 formed in and spaced equidistantly along a flange or channel 315 forming the rim of rotary disc 371 of mechanism 379. Disc 371 is mounted for rotation on a horizontal shaft 381 and in the illustrated embodiment is continuously driven by belt 385 running on pulley 384 Xed to the shaft of motor 84. Belt 385 tracks a pulley 373 formed integrally in the rim of disc 371. The speed of rotation of disc 371 is such that pins 311 are not hurled or thrown about in channel 315 while being seated in pockets 331 for delivery from pit P upwardly to a position substantially directly thereabove where each pin is discharged into pin receiving and aligning device 3d?. of distributor D.

T he axis of rotary disc 371 is disposed midway between the inner faces of kickbacks K of the alley, the periphery of disc 371 being of such a diameter that it may rotate close to but not touch kickbacks K or the bottom of pit P, shaft 381 being at a suitable elevation for this purpose. In the illustrated embodiment, disc 371 is provided with 7 pin holding and conveying pockets, the same as shown and described in Holloway et al., Patent 2,767,- 983.

Each pin after being in a pocket 331, is held therein by a gripper rod 350 mounted for radial movement into and out of engagement therewith. A stationary cam 394 of suitable shape mounted on the frame of the machine is tracked by a cam follower 395 on a lever 396 suitably resiliently connected at one end by a pin to each rod 350 (FIG. 8). Hence, as disc 371 rotates, rods 350 are moved into engagement with pins in pockets 331 and are held in engagement with pins seated therein until the latter are to be disengaged therefrom to effect their discharge into device 342. In this manner, all pins received in pit P are elevated by mechanism 370 and delivered thereby in succession to distributor D. The specic details of construction and operation of pin elevating mechanism 370 do not form a part of this invention and the description herein has therefore been limited to only as much as is considered necessary to an understanding of its operation Reference is made to Holloway et al. Patent 2,767,983.

Distributor D, which includes an elongated telescopic generally U-shaped chute or channel 345, is mounted for lateral movement back and forth across the machine, and also :for vertical movement. This arrangement makes it possible to deliver pins 311 in succession from pin elevating mechanism 37d selectively into spotters H on table T not only when table T is stationary, but also as it is moving to and from alley A.

Channel 345 consists of two relatively longitudinally movable parts: a fixed pivoted rear Ushaped guide chute 347, which receives pins 311 oriented and delivered from device 342 and a longitudinally movable pin delivering guide chute 349.

Chute 347 is secured at its rear end to spaced swivel lugs 323 pivotally mounted on a horizontal shaft 351 supported at each end in a bearing by bracket 321 pivotally attached to a cross frame member 33t) by a suitable vertical stud shaft. Swivel lugs 323 and horizontal shaft 351 form the pivot which permits distributor D to swing vertically as table T moves to and from alley A in spotting and respotting pins thereon. The vertical stud shaft to which bracket 321 is pivoted allows distributor D to swing laterally during the movement of the front end of the same on track 366.

Each pin 311 discharged from a pocket 331 in disc 371 rolls or drops into receiving and aligning device 342, which extends partly into channel 315. Each pin aligned by engagement with one of two spaced opstanding pins 383 located at opposite sides of device 342, is conveyed by continuously driven conveyor belt 346 through chute 3 f5 and discharged from part 349 thereof into a spotter H in table T for subsequent placement on alley A. Pinspotters H are mounted in substantially triangular arrangement on table T, a pattern conforming with the conventional arrangement ot pins on a bowling alley.

As each pin is fed by belt 3% through channel member 345, it passes beneath a trip arm 138 which actuates a counting device 146. After ten pins have actuated trip arm 138, a switch 142 in counter 1a() is closed which deenergizes solenoid 38?. Solenoid 33t) is connected to a movable gate portion 397 of cam 394, and when solenoid 385.5 is de-energized, this gate portieri of cam 394 is closed and clamping rods 350 remain in engagement with pins in pocket 331, and pins are not delivered therefrom into receiving and aligning device 342. On the other hand,

until ten pins have actuated trip arm 138, switch M?. remains open (see FIG. 3). The movable gate portion 397 of cam 39dalso is open and clamping rods 35i?,t 4are disengaged from pins in pockets 331 which, at the point of discharge relative to device 342, drop or roll into receiving and aligning device 342 and are delivered thereby onto belt 346. The construction and operation of cam 334. and its movable gate portion 397 lare substantially the same as that shown and described in Zuercher Patent 2,767,984, above referred to, and a detailed description is not deemed necessary herein.

During the course of operation of distributor D, the latter moves both laterally, and vertically and longitudinal 1y as described hereinbefore, until at #10 position, see FIGURE 2, an arm 146 mounted on the distributor engages and operates a switch 144 supported by a bracket attached to track 360 on table T. The operation of switch M4 is described more in detail hereinafter in the description of FIGURE 3.

The front end of guide chute 347 is attached to a U- shaped bracket 332 secured to two parallel rods 336 mounted in Iand extending outwardly from bracket 32T (FTGURE l). The longitudinally movable front part 349 of chute 345 is attached at its rear end to a cross member (not shown) connected to spaced elongated rods 343. The free ends of these rods are secured to a roller bracket 344 mounted to roll along rods 336.

The front end of distributor D, which includes telescopically movable chute 349, is supported and guided by means of an intermittently operated driving mechanism designated generally 375, which is similar in construction and operation to that shown and described in Zuercher Patent 2,767,984, referred to above. This mechanism includes a bevelled ldisc 356, and a guide roller (not shown) which engage opposite sides of track 366, suitably attached to table T. As shown in FIGURE 2, track 36h is generally heart shaped and is provided with ten stop pins 392, one of which is located adjacent each spotter H. These stop pins interrupt the movement of distributor D for delivery of a pin into each empty spotter H, and also insure that the discharge end of distributor D is positioned properly for delivery yof a pin therefrom. Track 363 is provided with teeth with which engage complementary teeth on disc 356 such that when the latter is rotated, the front end of distributor D is moved laterally and extended longitudinally as disc 356 moves stepwise alo-ng track 35d.

As shown `and described in the above referred to Zuercher patent, bevelled disc 356 -is driven intermittently as the resuit of the engagement of a bowling pin 311 on belt 346 with a trip 223 secured to the shaft 333 (FIG. 2). When shat 333 is rocked, a clutch 337 operatively connected to the shaft of pulley 542, is thrown in, and bevelled disc 356 is rotated. This movement of disc 356 travels the discharge end of distributor D to the next empty spotter H for delivery of a pin thereto when the stop pin adjacent this spotter causes the clutch to be thrown out, and lfurther movement of distributor D stops unil trip is again actuated.

When each of the spotters H contains a pin, further movement of distributor D is arrested until it is again necessary to feed pins to spotters H. Conveyor belt 346, the upper lap of which travels in guide chutes 347 and 349, runs on driving and driven pulleys 44S, 466, 442, and 463. These pulleys `are suitably supported in such manner that the pin carrying lap in chutes 347 and 349 is lengthened or shortened in accordance with the longitudinal movement of chute 349 relative to chute 347. Conveyor belt 346 is driven continuously from motor S4 by shaft 355 through suitable conventional driving connections to shaft 35i. Since the specific details of the mechanism for operating distributor D do not form a part of the present invention, and are fully shown and described in the 'above referred 'to Zuercher patent, there has been described hereinabove only so much as is deemed 6 necessary for an understanding of its coaction with pi elevating mechanism 370 and its delivery of pins to spotters H.

Since the distributor is designed to ydeliver pins to spotters H not only when table T is stationary, but also when it is moving, there is provided a parallelogram system designated 382 which maintains the discharge end of the distributor, which supports bevelled disc or driving member 356 in a substantially horizontal position at all times although chutes 347 and 349 comprising channel 345 may be in upwardly or downwardly inclined position. Channel 345 is inclined upwardly when the table T is in its topm-ost position, i.e. when crank arms 2t) and connecting rods 474 are in the top dead center position. FIG. 1 shows the table T approximately one-half of the way between the top and the bottom positions assumed by table T during one revoltion of the table crank arm shaft 108. This system includes a pair of rods 337 pivo-ted to a horizontal bracket 389. The other pair of rods 383 are pivoted to a vertical member 390 which forms a part of the bearing bracket of mechanism 375 which supports stud 366 to which bevelled disc 356 is attached. Both pairs of rods Iare pivotally connected to a bell crank lever 392.

In accordance with the invention, table T, which is supported in a suitable frame mounted on alley kick- -backs K, is moved in a controlled and selective manner to and from alley A whenever pins are to be spotted or respotted thereon. As shown, table T is generally triangular in form and supports ten triangularly arranged spotters H, and ten complementary respotter units U. yIt is so mounted and stabilized that it is maintained in a substantially horizontal, substantially parallel relationship with alley A at all times. For this purpose, the table frame T which is triangular in nature as shown in FIG. 2, is provided with upstanding brackets 438, at the end of the table side frame members dil. Pivotally connected to brackets 433 are upper and lower radius rods 440 and 445 (FIGS. 1 and 2) respectively, which are also pivotally connected to members 444 on a cross frame member 443 of the machine. Also connected to the frame of table T and to member 443 are stabilizing arms M6. Springs 447, attached to brackets 438 and to brackets 451 on member 443, balance the weight of table T and assist in insuring its smooth movement to and from alley A.

Table T is moved to and from alley A by means of motor 1&6 which is selectively operated in order to spot and respot pins on the alley as the play of the game proceeds from frame to frame. After each ball is rolled, sweep 199 is operated in proper timed relation with the movements of table T to sweep deadwood or fallen pins from the alley, or to sweep deadwood and unwanted pins from the alley depending upon which ball of a frame is rolled.

A preferred form of sweep and guard mechanism is shown in FIGURES 4, 5 and 6 in which this mechanism is designated generally 3.99. This mechanism consists of a pair of horizontal transverse bars Zitti having their ends attached to spaced supporting brackets 262;. Each bracket 2x32 is secured to a plate 264 provided with two pairs of rollers 206 which, with plate 204, form a trolley Z635 by means of which bars 200 are moved back and forth over the alley.

Bars 20h not only are operative to sweep pins 311 rom alley A and gutters R, but also when located in operative sweeping position adjacent alley A, form an effective guard for preventing carelessly thrown balls from damaging parts of the machine, such as the pin spotting and respotting table when the latter is lifting and respotting pins on alley A. Rollers 266 of each trolley 235' engage with and run on track 208 (FIG. 5) consisting of a fixed horizontal portion '21@ and a movable portion 2M. Each track portion Zit) is secured adjacent to the top edge of kickback K to a pair of uprights 452 g which form a frame for the support of spotting and respotting table T and its operating mechanism shown in FlGURE 1. These uprights are fastened to the top edge of kickbacks K.

Since the mechanism supporting and operating each end of sweep and guard bars 239 is identical in construction and operation, except for being located at opposite sides of alley A to obtain a perfect parallel movement, it is considered only necessary to describe one, like parts bearing the same reference characters. Movable track portion 214 is pivotally attached to the forward end of fixed track portion 210 by means of a stud 212. This allows track portion 214 to be swung to and from alley A for the purpose of permitting trolleys 205 and sweep and guard bars 200 supported thereby to be moved upwardly into inoperative position above alley A when a ball is rolled by a player, and downwardly into operative position adjacent alley A after a ball is rolled. For this purpose, plate 204 of trolley 295 is connected by an adjustable rod or link 216 to one end of an arm 21S, the other end of which is secured to a stud shaft 220 rotatably supported at the free end of an arm 222 of a double lever 224 pivoted to a stud 226 held by a suitable cross member 228 attached to uprights 452. rthe other arm 230 of double lever 224 is connected oy an adjustable rod or link 232 to crank arm 234 mounted on shaft 236 projecting from a suitable gear reduction motor 94. Shaft 236 extends almost all the way across the rear end of the alley and carries a crank arm 234 at each end, each crank arm actuating the sweep and guard supporting and operating mechanism on its respective side of alley A.

Also secured to each cross member 228 is a stationary gear sector 240 which engages with a gear 242 loosely mounted on a stud 244 mounted in arm 222 of double lever 224. Gear 242 also engages with gear 246 which is mounted on stud shaft 220 to which arm 218 is secured and thereby controls the movement thereof. To somewhat counterbalance the weight of trolley 205 and sweep and guard bars 200 connected to the free end of each arm 218, the latter is provided at its opposite end with an extension 219 which carries a counterweight 221. In order to insure the removal of fallen pins lying in the two gutters R, each bracket 292 carries a plate 293, the lower end of which, when each plate 2tl3 is in operative position, projects partly into its respective gutter, as shown in FIG. 6.

In the operation of the machine, the sweep and guard mechanism is set in motion when a ball rolled by the player lands in pit P of the alley and effects the closing of the pit switch 90, the function and connections of which are disclosed in detail in the description of the control circuit described herein. The closing of pit switch 90 effects the starting of sweep motor 94, which in turn causes shaft 235 and cranks 234 to start rotating in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5. Since cranks 234 are connected by rods 232 to arms 230 of double levers 224, the latter also start to rotate about their pivot studs 226, causing gears 242 to rotate due to their meshing with fixed gear sectors 249. Since gears 242 are in mesh with gears 246, the latter are rotated also, and through shafts 220, effect a downward motion of the free ends of arms 218 which are connected by rods 216 to trolleys 205 and sweep and guard bars 200. A downward motion of the free ends of arms 218 thus effects a lowering of trolleys 265 and sweep and guard `bars 200 towards and into operative position adiacent alley A. Since trolleys 265 when in lifted position are locked against the free end of swingable track portions 214 by means of lock levers 259, these track portions will swing about their pivots 212 downwardly until they reach a substantially horizontal position and form an extension of stationary track portions 210. Each lock lever 25S is pivotally mounted on a stud 252 held by a trolley plate 204. One end of each lock lever is provided with a camlike edge 254, which at the proper time is urged into weldge-liize engagement with the lower edge of track portion .2t-i by means of a tension spring 256. However, the lower end of each connecting rod 21:6 is secured to a stud shaft 25S which is pivotally supported in plate 204 to which shaft is also secured a short arm 269 which at its free end carries a roller 262. By means ot this arrangement during the downward motion of arm 21S, arm 260 is caused to swing upwardly, and shortly bcfore trolleys 29S reach their horizontal positions, ctfects a sufficient engagement of each roller 262 with its respective lock lever 250 to disengage the cam shaped edge of lock lever 250 from the lower edge of track portion 214.

When track portion 22.4 reaches its substantially horizontal or operative position, sweep motor 94 stops and the bars ZtlG-onc above the other-form guard across the alley (FIG. 6) as stated above, and prevent interference with and/ or damage to the table T which descends shortly thereafter to pick up any pins 311 which remained standing after the first ball was rolled. After pin grippers G, carried by table T, have engaged and gripped such pins, table T ascends again, after which sweep motor J4 is started again, and crank arms 234 continue their rotation, and through the connections described, swing arms 212% through a forward and backward arc which causes trolley 205 to move from the track portion 214 onto fixed portion 21@ and towards the rear of the alley while the sweep bars Zhi? in combination with the gutter plates 253 sweep all fallen pins from said alley A into the pit l. 'Iltis movement constitutes the forward arc of arm 218.

After bars 200 have reached the rear end of alley A,l the arcuate movement of arms 213, due to their described connections, is reversed and through rod 216, the arms pull trolley 295 and bars 200 back to the front of the alley, after which sweep motor 94 is stopped again. Bars 263 then remain in their operative or down position in front of the pin supporting bed of alley A and act as a guard until the now descending table and respotting units have placed previously lifted pins on the alley in their respective on and off-spot positions and have moved upwardly again, at which time sweep motor 94 is started again and crank arms 234 continue their rotation, causing arms 218 to be lifted upwardly, thereby effecting a lifting of trolleys 265, bars 26S attached thereto and track portions 214. Since this lifting action also effects a disengagement of roller 262 from the lock lever 250, each tension spring 256 urges the cam shaped end of lever 250 into frictional engagement with the under edge of track portion 214, thereby locking the trolleys 205 against sliding downwardly or backwardly on the now inclined track portion 214.

After trolleys 20S and bars 2th) reach their uppermost positions, sweep motor 9d stops again, at which time shaft 236 has completed one full revolution. The above described sequence of intermittent operation of the sweep mechanism applies to a rst ball cycle and changes somewhat during the second ball cycle. After the second ball, rolled by the player, lands in the pit, sweep motor 9d starts again and effects the lowering of the sweep bars 2%. However, since the table and pin gripper mechanism does not descend in this cycle to pick up standing pins, bars 200, after a brief stop, immediately are moved towards the rear of the alley to sweep all pins, standing or fallen, into pit P. They then return to their positions in front of the alley where they act as guards until the table has placed a new set of pins on the alley and has returned to its uppermost position. Bars 273' are then raised again, as described heretofore, and come to rest in their lifted position, marking the end of the second ball cycle.

Each cycle requires one revolution of shaft 2.36, and in order to properly control the position at which the sweep mechanism must be arrested at the different interspasmes 9 vals, shaft 236 carries four electrical control cams 92, 180, 132 and 134 which operate suitable switches and contacts, and form part of the electrical control circuit shown in FIG. 3 and described hereinafter.

Motor 106 is mounted in any suitable manner on a cross member of the machine frame, FIG. l, and is provided with a conventional type of gear reduction for driving shaft 108 having a crank arm 2t) attached to each end. Each crank arm 20 supports in its free end a stud shaft 468 to which is pivotally attached an eye 478 to which is connected one end of a table supporting rod 474, the other end of which is pivotally connected to shaft 424. When, therefore, motor 106 is set into motion, as described hereinafter, and arms 28 are rotated by shaft 188, arms 2t) will cause table T to be lowered and raised with respect to alley A for spotting and respotting pins thereon. This disposition of parts allows the spotting and respotting operations to be effected at substantially the same height above alley A, and permits the use of the simple harmonic drive described.

In table T, the positions occupied by spotters H and respotting units U are indicated generally at #14H8 inclusive, as shown in FIG. 2. Spotters #k7-#lil` inclusive and their complementary respotting units U are mounted on shaft 42d supported in brackets 531 attached to side frame members 412. Spotters #4-#6 inclusive, and #2 and #3, and #l are mounted on shafts 4274, 426 and 428, respectively, supported in side frame members 4l?. of table T. Each spotter H is suitably attached to a bracket designated generally 437 fixed to its respective support and operating shaft. Shafts 420, 42.4, 426 and 428 are each provided with crank arms 417, to the free ends of which are secured links 419 such that when shaft 424 is rocked when pins are to be spotted on alley A, all of the spotters H are swung from the inclined pin receiving and supporting position shown in FIG. l into sul stantially vertical pin delivering position and pins will be deposited thereby on alley A when table T is moved by crank arms 20 into lowered or pin spotting position relative to the alley. Crank arms 417 secured to shaft 424 form one arm of bell crank levers 417er. As shown in FIGURE 1, loosely mounted adjacent one end of shaft 108 is a sprocket 478 having a hub 488 provided with an upstanding lug 482 to which is pivotally connected one end of a link 486, the other end of which is pivotally connected to lever 49d keyed to stud shaft 492 mounted in bearing bracket 494 atttached to the machine frame. Sprocket 478 is tracked by a sprocket chain 496 running on sprocket 493 fixed to shaft 468.

Attached to shaft 468 is a crank arm 508 pivotally connected to one end of connecting rod 503. The other end of rod 583 is connected to the other arm of bell crank lever `417g on shaft `424. Springs 527 perform the function of balancing the weight of the several pin spotters H, and assist in returning them to their pin receiving and holding positions, shown in FIGURE l, after they have spotted a set of pins on alley A. The ends of springs 527 are attached to brackets 53d on the frame of table T and to arms of bell crank levers 4l7 on shaft 42.4, respectively.

T he several spotters H are essentially the same in con struction and it is deemed necessary to describe only one. As shown in FIGURES l and 2, a typical spotter H includes an elongated, generally U-shaped trough-like member 43d somewhat greater in length than the length of a pin. Adjacent and attached to the lower or free end of member 4381 is a half-ring support 436, which coacts with the walls and bottom of member 43@ in guiding and supporting a pin for proper placement on alley A, as spotters H are swung to spotting position adjacent alley A, and then rearwardly therefrom to clear spotted pins due to the movement of crank arms 508 during the movement of table T to and from alley A. Reference is made to Holloway et al. Patent 2,781,195, for a full description 10 and showing of spotters H, and apparatus for operating them.

Each bracket 437 also supports a respotting unit U. There are ten respotting units employed in the mechanism illustrated. Since each is identical in construction and operation, only one is described briefly herein, refererence being made to the above referred to Holloway et al. Patent 2,781,195, for a full and complete disclosure. Since the details of construction of respotters U do not constitute a part of the present invention, a complete description herein is deemed unnecessary.

As shown in FIGURES l, 2 and 7, each unit U is provided with a pair of grippers .designated generally G. Each gripper G includes van elongated gripping member 475 preferably faced with a resilient pin gripping surface 477. Each member 475 is provided at each of its ends with an upstanding arm 479 on each of which are mounted horizontally spaced ro-llers 481a and 48111. Rollers 481a are adapted to run in a substantially horizontal track 481 attached to the end of a substantially vertically movable clamping plate 483 having a resilient pin head clamping surface 483:1. Two rollers 481b are mounted on each end of a shaft xed in arms 479; one roller 48th rolls in track 481, the other rolls in cam track 487 fastened to carriage 489. Carriage 489 at its ends is provided with rollers 491 running in horizontal tracks 493 attached to brackets 437. Pivotally attached to an upwardly extending ange 485 formed integrally with plate 483 and to bracket 455 forming a part of bracket 437 are a pair of parallel links 495. The action is such that when table T is lowered after the rolling of the iirst ball of a frame, and any pins are standing on alley A. the heads of such pins will be engaged by surfaces 48311. Continued downward movement of table T results in a relative upward movement of plate 483, and

a concurrent inward movement of grippers G to grip on or olf-spot standing pins.

As indicated in FIGURES 3 and 7, when any plate 483 is raised, switch 136, mounted on bracket 455, is operated to break a series circuit connecting the ten switches, one of which is provided for each unit U. For this purpose, one end of each upper link 495 is attached to a shaft 457 to which is pivoted an operating lever 459, which as plate 483 is moved upwardly relative to grippers G, opens normally closed switch 136. Grippers G are automatically latched in closed gripping relationship by latch mechanism (not shown) and hold a pin for lifting and respotting. When each lifted pin is respotted in its respective on or olf-spot position on alley A, the latch mechanism is automatically released, and upon upward movement of table T, such pins are left standing on alley A, pending rolling of the next ball of the frame. A spring 461 attached to lever 459 and to link 495 then returns switch lever 459 to its normal position resulting in the operation of switch 136 and the closing of the series circuit of these switches.

When bowling pins are to be spotted on alley A, solenoid 82 is energized. This rocks bell-crank lever 543 connected to the armature of solenoid 82 and disengages cam follower 547 from latching engagement with a cam surface formed on the lock arm 561 of lock lever 563 keyed to shaft 492. An adjustable set screw (not shown) mounted in bracket 565, which supports bell-crank lever 543, is provided in order to properly position cam follower 547 on arm 561. Lock lever 563 is provided with an adjustable pin 567 adapted to engage a lateral projection 569 on cam lever 571 loosely mounted on shaft 492. Cam lever 571 is provided with a cam follower 573 tracking a cam 575 attached to shaft 108.

A spring 577 having one end attached to lever 490 and its other end attached to a bracket mounted on the frame of the machine, tends to pull lever 490 to the right, as Viewed in FIG. 1, whereby whenever solenoid 82 is energized, pin 567 is held pressed against projection 569, and camfollower 573 of lever 571 is held resiliently against one arm of bell crank lever 417 on shaft 424.

the surface of cam 575. The movement of cam 575 with respect to cam follower 573, and the linkage and leverage described hereinbefore results in sprocket 478 being rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. l. That is, the movement of cam 575 on shaft 108 with respect to cam follower 573, produces a rocking motion in levers 571 and 596. The rocking (limited arc of travel of lever 490) is transmitted by link 436 to lug 482 attached to a sprocket 478, sprocket 478 being free to turn relative to shaft 168. Movement of sprocket 47S is transmitted by chain 496 to sprocket 49S which is keyed to shaft 468. Shaft 468 is free to turn in the end of crank arm 20. Attached to shaft 468 is crank arm 500 pivotally connected at one end of connecting rod 503. The other end of connecting rod 503 is pivotally connected to This linkage permits the motion generated by the action of cam follower 573 with respect to cam 575, both fixed elements on the frame of the machine, to be transmitted to the table shafts 420, 424, 426, and 428. Thus, rotary movement of shaft 492. is transmitted to shafts 420, 424, 426, and 428, the rotary movement of the latter shafts being in the same direction as that of shaft 492 but not of the same angular extent. This results in the cocking of crank arms 20, thereby effecting a turning of shafts 420, 424, 426 and 428, which, when table T is located in position III as indicated in FIGURE l, results in the delivery of ten pins in spotted arrangement on alley A.

The control mechanism selected for purposes of illustration employed with the coacting pin handling and spotting and respotting mechanisms described hereinabove, may be termed a three cycle system, wherein there are provided three revolutions of table crank arms or three down and up trips of table T for each normal frame consisting of a first ball or respot operation, and a second ball or spotting operation. Each of these operations (ball cycles) requires one complete cycle of operation of sweep 199 which removes deadwood and unwanted pins from alley A.

There are four basic types of machine cycle generated by the electrical control constructed and operated 1n accordance with the invention. These are:

(I) Normal two ball cycle:

First ball-Respot operation, two trips of table T to and from alley A--machine resets to second ball.

Second ball-Spotting operation, one trip of table T to and from alley A-machirie resets to first ball.

(Il) Stnke cycle: Mechanical and electrical intelligence notifies machine to spot a new set of pins and reset to first ball--two trips of table T to and from alley (III) First ball foul cycle: Spotting operation-one trip of table T to and from alley A-machine resets to second ball and a foul signal is actuated.

(IV) Se.ond ball foul cycle: Same as a'no'rmal second ball operation except that a foul light indicates that a foul has been committed.

Referring to FIGURE 3, when switches 522 and 524 are closed, power is supplied to secondary windings 525, S23. and 534i of transformer 521. Current from winding l526 is rectified by rectifier 532 and through Contact 5532/1, energizes relay :57S which closes contacts Sfta and through contacts 562-5: which are closed substantially simultaneously as explained hereinafter energizes solenoid 33d so that gate cani397 opens and pins are discharged from pin elevating mechanism 37? forwarded by distributor D to table T.

Driving power is supplied to both pin elevating mechanism 374) and distributor D by gear reduction motor 34, which is energized at the saine time'as relay 571'), when the rectified current passes through two normally closed too far o-spot pin or safety switches 536 and energizes main contacter 562, closing contacts 562a and l?. starting motor 84 from the main power line. A light 64.9, provided for indicating that the machine is ready for a first ball, is illuminated by current from winding 52S through contacts 5761i of relay 576.

NORMAL TWO BALL FRAME First Ball First revolution of control com shaft 610.-'l`iie following occurs during the first revolution of a normal first ball cycle. As the bowler rolls his first ball, it strikes or rolls against backstop S3 (FIG. l), moves it rearwardly and closes pit switch 9G. At this moment, contacts 92A of sweep cani 92 are closed and current passes from rectifier 532 through these contacts and switch and energizes the latch coil 54i of relay S49, which latches itself in and maintains 4that position until electricaliy changed. All latch relays mentioned hereinafter are of this type. At the beginning of a first ball cycle all latch relays are unlatched.

As relay 540 latches in, contacts 540e close, and current passing therethrough and through Contact 92a, energizes sweep contacter 566, closing its contacts 566e, and supplying power from the main line, and through contacts 562:1 to sweep motor 94 which lowers sweep 199, in a manner previously described, into operative position relative to alley A. When sweep 199 reaches this position, sweep cam 92, which is rotated by shaft 236 of sweep motor 94, opens its contact 92a, de-energizing sweep contacter 566 and stopping sweep motor 94. When contacts 92a opened, contacts 92b closed. Just prior tothe sweep reaching its down-most position, a seeond sweep cam 169, also secured to shaft 236, closes its contacts :1 and opens contacts 100i). Sweep 199, as mentioned hereinabove, in this down position acts as a guard for the table T which is now about to descend.

Two timers, generally designated as 596 and 598, are provided. Timer 596 delays the start of the downward movement of table T after the first ball is rolled in order to allow time for standing pins to come to equilibrium. Timer 596 also delays the start of the sweep run through on the second ball for the same reason. Timer 598 allows time for the last pin delivered to the last empty spotter H to become properly seated therein before the table can `descend in a spotting operation. Both of these timers employ a resistance capacity network operating on the grid of a triode or three element electron tube. When the contact controlling the timer is open, the grid is charged negatively during the time that the A.C. voltage supplied the circuit is of Stich a phase that the cathode is negative with respect to the grid. This charge is stored on the condenser. When the contact is closed, the cathode is connected to the opposite side of the A.C. line. Since the grid of the tube is at a negative potential with respect to the cathode, no plate current can flow. The charge on the condenser is dissipated by the resistance connected across the condenser. Depending on the value of this resistance, a finite time is required to reduce the value of negative grid voltage to the point where the tube Vwill conduct. When this point is reached, plate current ows between the cathode and plate of the tube during the time that the AC. voltage makes the plate positive with respect to the cathode. This results in pulses of plate current through the timer relay energizing this relay. The capacitor, or condenser, sliunted or paralleled across the relay, stores a charge during tlie period of these pulses of current and tends to smooth out the current through the relay, preventing it from chattering. When the Contact controlling the timer (between the cathode and one side of the A.C. supply) is opened, the plate and cathode are then connected to the same side of the AC. line. Since these two elements of the tube are at the sai e voltage, no current iiows between them. The relay then cle-energizes nd the charging operation starts in preparation for the next timing cycle.

More specifically, timer 596 consists of a triode or three element vacuum tube 597. In addition to the tube, timer 596 consists of an adjustable resistor 596:1 and a fixed resistor 596i) in series with contacts 544e of relay 544, as well as an adjustable resistor 596:- and a fixed resistor 596:1 in series with contacts 5441i of relay 544-. Adjustable resistors 596:1 and 596C allow setting of the operating point to desired time values by compensating for tolerances of the parti-cular tube, relays, and capacitor used.

In the plate circuit of tube 597 is the coil of relay 560 Vshunted by a capacitor which smoothes the pulsating plate current iiowing in the plate circuit of tube 597 -when it is conducting and prevents the relay from chattering. Heater power for tube 597 is supplied by one winding, 528, of transformer 521. A.C. plate power lfor tube 597 is supplied by winding 530 of transformer 521. Lead 530:1 of winding 530 is connected to one end of the coil of relay 560; the other end'of this coil is connected to the plate of tube 597. Lead 530:1 is also connected to the cathode of tube 597 through a resistance 596e. The cathode of tube 597 is connected to one side of contacts 540b of relay 540. The other side of contacts 540i) is connected to lead 530b of winding 530 of transformer 521. The grid of tube 597 is connected to one sido of resistances, 596:1, 596C, and to timing capacitor 59635 The other sides of resistances 596:1 and 56b are connected to contacts 544e and 544:1 of relay 540. The other sides of contacts 544C and 544:1 are connected together and to lead 53011 of winding 530 of transformer 521. The other side of timing capacitor 596i is also connected to lead 530]: of Winding 530 of transformer 521. Relay 544 operation serves to connect one or the other of resistances 596:1 and 596C to lead 530:1 of transformer winding 530, thus placing either one or the other resistances in parallel with timing capacitor 5961. The values of these two resistances are such as to give two different values of timing in the operating of timer 596. One of these values, provided by 596:1, is substantially less than the value provided by 596:. Two values are required since the table delay period used for first ball cycles is essentially one-half of the sweep delay period used on second ball cycles.

Contacts 540b serve to connect the cathode of tube 597 to lead 530b of winding 530 when closed. Cathode of tube 597 is also connected to lead 530:1 of winding 530, the opposite side, through resistance 596e, such connection not involving contacts 540i). In this condition tube 597 has the grid connected to lead 530b of the `iiows between they cathode and plate, but the grid and cathode are connected as a diode or rectifier circuit and electrons ow from the cathode to the anode (grid) 'making the p grid negative with respect to the cathode.

This voltage between the grid and cathode charges timing capacitor 5961 to a D.C. potential approaching the peak value of the A.C. voltage across winding 530. Resistors 596:1 and 5%!1 act as a small load on this rectifier circuit. When contacts 540b of relay 540 close to start the timing period, the cathode of tube 597 is connected through these contacts to lead 53011 of winding 530. Resistor 596e is then connected across this winding and acts as a small paralleled load across the winding in addition to the plate cathode circuit of tube 597. Under these conditions, current would normally flow between the plate and cathode of tube 597. However, the charge stored on timing capacitor 596f biases the grid negatively with respect to the cathode and prevents the tube from conducting from plate to cathode. The grid and cathode no longer act as a diode rectifier, and the charge stored on the timing capacitor dissipates itself exponentially with time through either resistance 596:1 or 596e, depending on the position of relay 544. When the potential applied 'respotting to the grid, equal to the voltage across the timing capacitor, falls below the cutoff value for the triode, current ows between the cathode and plate and energizes relay 560. Relay 560 will remain energized until contacts 540!) are opened by the operation of relay 540 at which time the charging circuit previously explained is set up and relay 560 is de-energized since no current ows in the plate circuit of triode tube 597 when the cathode and plate are both connected to the same side of winding 530. When the tube of timer 596 conducts, relay 560 will be energized and its contacts 560b close and current then flows from rectifier 532 through contacts 92h, 560b, 54812 604:1 and energizes table contactor 564, closing contacts 564:1. Table motor 106 then receives power from the main line through contacts 562:1 and 564:1. Crank arms 20, secured to motor shaft 108 (FIG. l), rotate and table T descends. Contacts 604:1 are actuated by cam 604, secured to a shaft 610 (FIG. 1) which is driven from shaft 103 by suitable sprockets and a chain in a one to one ratio.

Also secured to the shaft of 610 are cams 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, 624, 626, and 628, the operations of which will be described later. These cams are enclosed with other components of the control mechanism in aY control box designated generally 130 suitably detachably mounted on the machine, and preferably on top of the frame (FIG. 1), where it is readily accessible for replacement or repair.

As table T descends, contacts 618:1 of cam 618 close, so that when contacts 604:1 open, table T will continue its descent. The current to keep table contactor 564 energized is provided by rectifier 532l through contacts 544g and 618:1. Continued rotation of shaft 610 causes contacts 612:1 operated by cam 612 to close and keep table contactor 564 energized from rectifier 532 when contacts 618:1 open. As table T moves into pin gripping position relative to pins standing on alley A, grippers G of respotting units U are moved automatically to gripping position to grip any pins left standing for lifting and lf there is at least one standing pin, then one of the switches 136, associated with unit U corresponding to such pin, will be opened. Therefore, when contacts 626:1 of cam 626 are closed because of the continued rotation of shaft 610, the machine will not be put on a second ball cycle. Table T ascends without stopping, with grippers G holding pins gripped thereby for respotting and, while so doing, cam 624 closes its contacts 624:1 and current from rectier 532 through contacts 624:1 and 548C, energizes the latch coil 545 of relay 544 which is then automatically latched in.

Continued rotation of shaft 610 causes cam 614 to close its contacts 614:1 and current from rectifier 532 ows through contacts :1, 614:1, 544]@ 576C and energizes sweep contactor 566, closing contacts 566:1 which energizes sweep motor 94 and sweep 199 is moved rearwardly towards pit P on its sweeping operation; just prior to the completion of one revolution of shaft 610, cam 604 closes its contacts 604:1 which keeps table contactor or relay 564 energized by current from rectifier 532 through contacts 92b, 560b, 54Sf, and 604:1. Therefore power to table motor 106 continues to be supplied from the main line through contacts 562:1 and 564:1. Thus the table starts its second descent during the first ball cycle.

Second revolution of control cam shaft 610.-Continued rotation of shaft 610 causes cam 618 to close its contacts 618:1 to supply current to table contactor 564 when the contacts 604:1 are opened by cam 604. However, at this time contact 544g is open and until the sweep has completed its sweeping action and is out from underneath table T, cam 100 will not have closed its contacts 100k, and the circuit to table contactor 564 will be open. When the sweep completes its sweeping operation, cam 100 opens its contacts 100:1, de-energizing sweep contactor 566 so that sweep motor 94 stops the sweep at the front of the machine where it remains in its down position adjacent the alley. A sweep cam 132 secured to shaft 236 at this time closes its contacts 132:1. Contacts 100i) are also closed and the table contactor 564 is energized by current from rectifier 532 through contacts 100]) and 618:1, thus supplying power to table motor 106 and permitting the tabte to descend to respot pins which were lifted, in their respective on or off-spot positions on the alley.

Due to continued rotation of shaft 610, cam 612 closes its contacts 612:1 so that when cam 613 opens its contacts 618:1, table contactor 564 will be maintained in an energized position, thereby supplying power to table motor 106 so the table may complete its second trip. As shaft 610 continues to rotate, cam 622 closes its contacts 622:1, l

and current from rectifier 532 through contacts 622:1 and 544e energizes unlatch coil 542 and unlatches relay 540. Contact 54012 opens and relay `560` is deenergized. Cam 626 then closes its contacts 626:1, and current from rectifier 532, passing through contacts 626:1 and 544:1, energizes the latch coil 549 of relay 5113 which is then automatically latched in. This results in closing contacts 548b and relay 576 is energized by current from rectifier 532. Then contacts 576:1 open and the first ball light 643 is extinguished, contacts 576!) close and the second ball light 650 is illuminated. Now that both relays `544- and 548 are latched, the electrical control is set up for a second ball. Table T then ascends, and as this takes place, cam 616 closes its contacts 616:1. Therefore, current from rectifier 532, through now closed contacts 132:1, ,Y

61601, and 540:1, energizes sweep contactor 566, providing power to motor 94. The sweep is therefore raised to its up position and when cam 132 opens its contacts 132:1, the upward movement of the sweep is arrested and it remains in its inoperative position above alley A. Just prior to the completion of the second revolution of shaft 610, cam 612 opens its contacts 612:1, and the table motor 106 overrides land brings the table to rest at the completion of two complete revolutions of the main crank shaft 108.

Both motors 94 and 106 are provided with a conventional type of electrically released, spring operated brake which limits the amount of override of the table and the sweep when power to each motor is interrupted, such that table T and sweep 199 always come to rest in a closely controlled proper position.

Second Ball The following occurs during a normal second ball cycle: As with the first ball, the second ball strikes or rolls against backstop S8 and closes pit switch 90. Relay 540 will be latched in and the sweep descends, as before. When the sweep reaches its lowermost or down position relative to lalley A, contacts 9211 are closed, as are also contacts 620:1, of cam 620. Therefore current from rectifier 532, through contacts 9213, 548:1 and 620:1, energizes relay 572, closing contacts 572:1. No power is supplied to solenoid 82 at this time because table contactor 564 is not energized, and since its contacts -564:1 are not closed, motor 106 is not operated and table T remains in its up position. The cathode of the tube of timer 596 is again connected to the lead 53011 of winding 530. This time, however, the timer condenser discharges through contacts 544:1 and a different timer resistance 596e, which, being greater, provides a longer delay before the tube conducts and energizes relay 560. As the sweep is lowered, cam 100 closes its contacts 100:1. When the tube conducts, relay 560 is energized and contacts 560:1 will close. The sweep -contactor 556 is then energized by current from rectifier 532 through contacts 100:1, 614:1, 541th and 560:1. Contacts 566:1 of sweep contactor 566 close and power is supplied to sweep motor 94, which then operates the sweep through its sweeping operation as before. lust prior to the stopping of sweep motor 94, sweep cam 1315i, secured to shaft 236, closes its contacts 134:1.

As soon as ten pins delivered by distributor D from elevating mechanism 370 to spotters H of table T have tripped lever arm 1318 of counter 140, counter switch 142 is closed and latch coil 553 of latch relay 552 is energized by current from rectifier 532 through the closed contacts 144:1 of distributor switch 144 and counter switch 142. This relay automatically latches itself in, opening contacts 552b, which de-energizes relay 570 opening its contacts 570:1 which de-energizes solenoid 380. De-energization of solenoid 330 moves gate 397 into coincidence with cam 394 whereupon grip rods 350 are held in clamping engagement with pins in pockets 331. This prevents additional pins from being delivered by elevating mechanism 3701 to distributor D until such time as spotters H have spotted their ten pins and are in receiving position. When distributor D after delivering a pin to each of the spotters H again, as shown in FIGURE 2, reaches #l0 position, the contacts 144b of the distributor switch 144 are closed by a contact arm 146 (FIGS. l and 2).

Counter is provided with a ten tooth ratchet 150, FIG. 3A, mounted on shaft 152 having secured thereto a one tooth trip cam 154. Ratchet 150 is actuated by a spring mounted pawl 156 pivoted to ratchet arm 158 supported on stud shaft 160 to which is also secured pin actuated trip linger 138. Each pin passing trip linger 138 results in the advancing of one tooth of ratchet 150. A nose 162 on trip cam 154 turning intermittently with ratchet 150 is so arranged that it will close switch 142 when the tenth pin passes trip linger 138. The zero position of ratchet 150 and the position assumed by the distributor after delivery of ten pins to the spotters H of table T correspond.

When relay 552 is latched in, contacts 552e close and start timer 598, the purpose of which is to provide a time delay to prevent the descent of table T during a spotting cycle until proper seating of the last pin of a set of ten pins in its spotter H. When the tube of timer 598 conducts, the relay 568 is energized and its contacts 568a close, whereupon a circuit is now completed and table contactor 564 is energized by current from rectifier 532 through contacts 144b, 134:1, 568:1, 548g and 604:1. Latch relays 552, 540, 544, 556 and 548 used in the control eircuit remain in their last energized positions in case of a power failure so the information that the latched or unlatched positions of these relays represent is not lost due to a power failure. When power is resumed, the machine resumes operation at the point in a particular type of cycle and with the same information storage as was present in the control system when the power failure occurred. Contacts 564:1 close, motor 106 is actuated, and table T moves downwardly. At the same time, the closing of contacts 564:1 completes a circuit from the main line through contacts 562:1, 564:1, and 572:1 which energizes solenoid 82 and releases the spotting mechanism so that when table T descends to spotting position, the ten pins in spotters H will be spotted on the alley. Table T descends and ascends through the same series of circuits used during the tirst revolution of shaft 610 after the first ball. During the rotation of shaft 610, cam 622 closes its contacts 622:1 and unlatches relay 540 as before. Switch 144 is operated only when the distributor is in the #10 position. When operated by the distributor, contacts 1Mb are closed and 144:1 are opened. The distributor stays in the #l0 pin position during a spotting operation of the table. As the table approaches the end of a spotting operation unlatch coil 55:1 is energized to unlatch relay 552 and restore pin feeding operation from the pin wheel to the distributor. In order for relay 552 to be unlatched, electrical power must be removed from the latch coil. Since switch 142 is closed when the ratchet counter is in the zero position, corresponding to the delivery of ten pins, the circuit to the latch coil of relay 552 must be interrupted at this time since latch relays of the type used when energized on both coils simultaneouslg.r from the same power supply Will not change position but will remain in the position existing prior to the application of power to both coils. To provide the necessary circuit interruption in the latch coil circuit, switch 144 is used. This switch is operated by the distributor when proceeding from the #6 to the #l pin position; this movement of the distributor is the last movement made in the delivery of a set of ten pins to the table.

Both switches 144 and 142 have to be `operated for table T to be lowered for a spotting operation. Switch 142 provides information to the control system that ten pins have passed down the distributor belt; switch 144 provides information that one complete trip around the distributor track hasbeen made by the distributor. When both of these switches are operated, the control system has assurance that the ten pins have been delivered from the wheel to the distributor and have been placed in the table bythe distributor. This double check system prevents operating of the table for a spotting operation with pins not in the correct position, which should result in an incorrect setup of pins for the bowler or possible damage to the table T.

The opening of contact 546i: deenergizes relay 560, the closing of contacts 54de completes a circuit from rectier 532' through contacts 622e, 54Se, and 540e which energizes unlatch coils 546 and 554, thereby unlatching relays 544 yand 552 respectively. Unlatching of relay 552 closes contacts SSZb which energizes relay 57@ closing contacts 57tla and energizing solenoid 35i?. This results in opening gate 397 in cam 394 which is holding grip rods 350 in engagement with pins in pockets 331, and as disc 371 rotates, pins drop from pockets 331 into device 342 of the distributor, which in turn delivers them by belt 346 to spotters H of table T. Further rotation of shaft 610 causes cam 628 to close its contacts 623:1, which completes a circuit through contact 544b, energizing unlatch coil 550 which unlatches relay 548 opening contact 548]). This de-energizes relay 576 closing contacts 576e.v and opening contacts 576b which lights the rst ball light 648 of the next frame and extinguishes the second ball light 656 of the completed frame, respectively, as the table ascends, contacts 6T6a close, and as before, the sweep goes up and stops. Table T stops at the end of one revolution of shaft Z108 and dwells above alley A, the same as on the second revolution of the first ball cycle.

Strike lf a strike occurs, i.e. when all pins are knocked down by the first ball of a frame, the following happens: The initial operations are the same as for the lirst ball, but as there will be no pins standing, when table T is moved downwardly no grippers G will operate its respective strike switch 136. Therefore the series circuit through all ten strike switches 136 remains closed when cam 626 closes its contacts 626g. This latches in relays 544 and 54S, which puts the electrical control on a second ball cycle. The relay 578 is also energized and the strike light 652 goes on. When contacts 626e close, relay 578 is energized by current from rectifier 532 through strike switches136 and contacts 548e, 5560, and 624i. When relay 578 is energized, its contacts 578b close and lockthe relay in, current being supplied from rectifier 532 through contacts 622b, and 5785. Contacts 575:1 are now closed and the strike light 652 glows, power being directly supplied from Winding 528. This light stays on until cam 622 opens its contacts 622b, which occurs during the next revolution of shaft 6ft). This de-energizes relay 578. When contacts 626a close, relay 544 is latched in by current from rectifier 532 through switches 136 -and contacts 548C. When relay 544 is latched in, its contacts 54411 close and current from rectifier 532, through contacts 626a and 544e, energizes latch coil 549 which latches yin relay 543.

The table ascends, and as soon as cam 614 closes contacts 614e, a circuit is completed from rectifier 532 through contacts ltltla, 614e, 544f and 560e, whereupon sweep contacter 566 is energized closing contacts 566a. Thus motor 94 is actuated and sweep 94 operates, using the same circuit as for a second ball cycle. When the sweep completes its operation, and providing there are ten pins in spotters H, and providing the tube of timer 59S is conducting yand energizes relay 56S, table T descends, spots ten pins and returns to its up position, the same as during a second ball cycle. The sweep returns to its up position also.

The following occurs during the first ball foul; when the foul is committed, the manual foul button 654 is depressed and held. This energizes relay 574 and closes its contacts 574.41. When the ball reaches the pit and actuates pit switch 9i?, relay 54.6` is latched in, as described above, and contacts 546e close and complete a circuit from rectifier 532through contacts 92a, 54041, 574a and 543e. This energizes the latch coil 5'57 of relay 556 which is then latched in. Coil 557 is used as a main line contacter to energize relays S44 and 548. When relay 574 is energized, contacts 574b close land ya lfoul light 656 is illuminated by current from winding 528.

P After relay 556 latches in, contacts 556d close and keep the foul light 656 lit until the time that relay 556 is unlatched.

When relay 556 latches in, contacts 556b and 556e close and energize the latch coils 545 and 549 directly from rectilier 532. The relays 544 and 548 of these coils are then latched in, which puts the electrical control on a second ball or spotting cycle. The machine sweeps and spots ten new pins. Ordinarily, relays 544 and 548 would be unlatched during this one revolution of a second ball cycle. However, the next ball rolled by the bowler will be a normal second ball. Therefore it is necessary to maintain electrical control on a second ball cycle by keeping relays 544 and 54S latched in. This is accomplished in the following manner: The latch relays 544 and 548 have the property that if a maintained voltage is applied to one coil, then application of an equal voltage to the opposite coil Will have no effect on the position of the relay. Therefore, relay 556 is held latched in until after the period that relays 544 and 54S would bet unlatched. Consequently, the contacts 556b and 556e of relay 556 remain closed and apply voltage to the latch coils 545 vand 549 of relays 544 and 548 at a time when the regularunlatching of these relays would be effected by cams 622 and 628. Therefore, the unlatching operation is ineffective and at the end of the cycle, both these relays will still be latchcd and the electrical control will be set up for a second ball or pin spotting cycle. However, when cam 622 closes contacts 62201, a circuit is established from rectifier 532, through contacts 62211 and 544e which energizes coil 542 unlatching relay 54%. Carn 623 unlatches relay 556 by energizing unlatch coil 558` through con'- tacts 552a.

Foul-Second Ball On a second ball foul when the manual foul button 654 is depressed, relay 556 is not energized because contacts 548a are open. Therefore the machine will go through a normal second ball cycle. When foul button 654 is depressed, it energizes relay 574 and contacts 57412 close. This supplies the foul light with current from winding 528 and the light is illuminated, indicating a foul has been committed.

The invention above described may be varied in construction within the scope of the claims, for the particular device, selected to illustrate the invention, is but one of the many possible concrete embodiments of the same. It is not, therefore, to be restricted to the precise details of the structure shown and described.

What I claim is:

1. In a bowling pin spotting machine, in combination, a

table mounted for movement to and from a bowling alley and a plurality of pin spotters and a plurality of pin respotters carried by said table in an arrangement corresponding to the playing positions of pins on the alley, drive means for moving the spotting table toward and away from the alley, said drive means including a first rotary member and table support means operative to position said table at the same height above said alley to spot and respot pins thereon, a sweep movable relative to the alley to sweep pins therefrom, and drive means for said sweep including a second rotary member, a first set of control cams operatively associated with said first rotary member for rotation thereby; a second set of cams operatively associated with said second rotary member for rotation thereby; electrical ball detector means disposed for actuation by each ball rolled down the bowling alley; a plurality of sequence control switches operatively associated with said first and second sets of cams for timed actuation thereby, and an electrical control circuit including said ball detector means and said sequence control switches and connected to control both said spotting table drive means and said sweep drive means, said circuit being controlled by said sequence control switches to condition the circuit to actuate said table drive means to drive said table through two cycles of movement toward and away from the alley, and to actuate said sweep drive means to drive said sweep to sweep the alley between said two cycles, in response to a first actuation of said ball detector means, and to actuate said sweep drive means to drive said sweep to sweep the alley, and to then actuate said table drive means to drive said table through only a single cycle of movement toward and away from the alley, in response to a second actuation of said ball detector means.

2. In a bowling pin spotting machine of the type comprising a spotting table movable toward and away from a bowling alley to spot and respot pins thereon, first rotary drive means for said table operative to position said table at the same height above said alley in spotting and respotting pins thereon, a sweep arranged to sweep pins from the alley, and second rotary drive means for said sweep, the combination of a first cam set driven by said first drive means, a second cam set driven by said second drive means, two sets of sequence control switches each operatively associated with a different one of said cam sets for actuation thereby, electrical ball detector means, table drive circuit means connected to energize said first drive means and including sequence control switches actuated by said first cam set and at least one sequence control switch actuated by said second cam set, sweep drive circuit means connected to energize said second drive means and including sequence control switches actuated by said second cam set and at least one sequence control switch actuated by said first cam set, and circuit means including said ball detector means and connected to said table drive circuit and said sweep drive circuit to activate the same, said cam sets being constructed and arranged to effect two full cycles of movement of equal distance of said table toward and away from the alley in response to a first actuation of said ball detector means and only a single such cycle of movement in response to a second actuation of said ball detector means.

3. In a bowling pin spotting machine, in combination, a table mounted for movement toward and away from a bowling alley and including pin spotting and respotting means mounted thereon, a first motor having a first rotary drive shaft including table support means operative to position said table the same height above said alley in spotting and respotting pins thereon, means connecting said first drive shaft to said table to effect one complete cycle of movement of the table toward and away from the alley for each revolution of said drive shaft, a sweep, a second motor having a second rotary drive shaft, and means connecting said second drive shaft to said sweep to effect one complete cycle of sweeping movement of said sweep for each revolution of said second drive shaft, an electrical ball detector disposed for actuation by balls rolled down the alley, a first cam set and means for rotating the same in unison with said first drive shaft, a second cam set and means for rotating the same in unison with said second drive shaft, a first set of sequence control switches operatively associated with said first cam set for actuation thereby, a second set of sequence control switches operatively associated with said second cam set for actuation thereby, the relative angular orientation of the cams of said cam sets being such that said sequence control switches are closed during selected portions of each revolution of said drive shafts, a first contactor and power circuit means controlled thereby for energizing said first motor, a second contactor and power circuit means controlled thereby for energizing said second motor, control circuit means connected to actuate said first contactor and including sequence control switches of said first set and at least one sequence control switch of said second set, and control circuit means connected to actuate said second contactor and including sequence control switches of said second set and at least one sequence control switch of said first set, said control circuit means being conditioned by said sequence control switches to actuate said contactors to effect two revolutions of said rst drive shaft and one revolution of said second drive shaft in response to a first actuation of said ball detector and only single revolutions of said drive shafts in response to a second actuation of said ball detector.

4. In a bowling pin spotting machine, in combination, a spotting table movable toward and away from a bowling alley, a plurality of spotting units, and a plurality of respotting units carried on said table, first rotary drive means for said table operative to position said table at the same height above said alley in effecting the spotting and respotting of pins on said alley by said spotter units and said respotter units, a sweep arranged to sweep pins from said alley, and second rotary drive means for said sweep, the combination of a first cam set driven by said first drive means, a second cam set driven by said second drive means, two sets of sequence control switches each operatively associated with a different one of said cam sets for actuation thereby, electrical ball de tector means, table drive circuit means connected to energize said first drive means and including sequence control switches actuated by said irst cam set and at least one sequence control switch actuated by said second cam set, sweep drive circuit means connected to energize said second drive means and including sequence control switches actuated by said second cam set and at least one sequence control switch actuated by said first cam set, and circuit means including said ball detector means and connected to said table drive circuit and said sweep drive circuit to activate the same, said cam sets being constructed and arranged to effect two full cycles of movement of equal distance of said table toward and away from the alley in response to a first actuation of said ball detector means and only a single such cycle of movement in response to a second actuation of said ball detector means, selective control means in said table drive circuit means operative in response to the rolling of a first ball foul for incapacitating said first rotary drive means thereby preventing movement of said table towards pins standing on said alley after the commis sion of said first ball foul so that said pins can be removed from said alley and replaced by a new set of pins and means for readying said table drive circuit means to operate as in response to a second ball of a frame.

5. In a bowling pin spotting machine, in combination, a table mounted for movement toward and away from a bowling alley and including pin spotting and respotting means mounted thereon, a first motor having a first rotary drive shaft, means connecting said first drive shaft to said table to effect one complete cycle of movement of the table toward and away from the alley for each 21 revolution of said drive shaft, a sweep, a second motor having a second rotary drive shaft, and means connecting said second drive shaft to said sweep to effect one complete cycle of sweeping movement of said sweep for each revolution of said second drive shaft, an electric ball detector disposed for actuation `by balls rolled down the alley, a first cam set and means for rotating the same in unison with said first drive shaft, a second cam set and means for rotating the same in unison with said second drive shaft, a first set of sequence control switches operatively associated with said first cam set for actuation thereby, a second set of sequence control switches operatively associated with said second cam set for actuation thereby, the relative angular orientation of the cams of said cam sets being such that said sequence control switches are closed during selected portions of each revolution of said drive shafts, a first contacter and power circuit means controlled thereby for energizing said first motor, a second contacter and power circuit means controlled thereby for energizing said second motor, control circuit means connected to actuate said first contactor and including sequence control switches of said first set and at least one sequence control -switch of said second set, control circuit means connected to actuate said second contactor and including sequence control switches of said second set and at least one sequence control switch of said first set, said control circuit means being conditioned by said sequence control switches to actuate said contactors to effect two revolutions of said first drive shaft and one revolution of said second drive shaft in response to a first actuation of said ball detector and only single revolutions of said drive yshafts in response to a second actuation of said ball detector, a time delay device selectively operable to give either a shorter 0r longer time delay, said control circuit including means connected to said time delay device to incapacitate the means for driving said first shaft for a predetermined period of time during a first ball cycle excluding a irst ball foul, and means for incapacitating `said means for driving said second shaft for a longer period of time during a second ball cycle and a iirst ball foul cycle.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,559,274 Broekhuysen July 3, 1951 2,705,146 Montooth et al. Mar. 29, 1955 2,736,554 Fluke et al Feb. 28, 1956 2,757,001 Janes 'July 31, 1956 

